3-vehicle crash on I81 in Schuylkill

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

State police at Frackville reported investigating a three vehicle crash along Interstate 81 in Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, in which one of the drivers is facing multiple charges. Troopers said the crash was one of two probed by troopers on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Troopers said Erica Reilly, 28, of Pine Grove, and Michelle Cvach, 18, of Forest Hill, Md., were both northbound at the Mahanoy City exit. Troopers said Reilly attempted to enter the on-ramp and hit the rear of Cvach's 2007 Nissan Xterra Sport with the front of her 1998 Ford Escort. After impact the Nissan spun-out towards the travel lanes and then hit the side wall of the bridge. Robert MacDonald, 46, of Ontario, Canada, driving a 2001 Volvo tractor with trailer, came upon the scene and was unable to avoid striking the Nissan.

No one was injured. The left lane of the interstate was closed for about an hour due to the crash. Troopers said Reilly was cited for driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving while operating privilege is suspended, operation following suspension of registration, expired inspection, required financial responsibility and restraint systems.

The second crash occurred about 7:40 a.m. along SR901 near Sunbury Road, in Cass Township. Troopers said Kathleen Springman, 61, of Barto, Montgomery County, was westbound when her 2003 Jeep Liberty went onto the berm and hit an embankment. After impact the Jeep rolled onto to the drivers' side and came to rest in the westbound lane.

Springman was injured and taken to the Schuylkill Medical Center South, Pottsville. The vehicle was towed from the scene.